This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Parts Of Speech
>
Verbs
>
Main Verbs
>
Linking Verbs – Quiz 1
Linking Verbs Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of linking verbs and their functions, including identifying action versus linking verbs, recognizing subject complements, and applying subject-verb agreement in singular plural contexts. It also covers distinguishing between modal auxiliary verbs and linking verbs.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Identify the linking verb in the sentence: "The flowers are beautiful."
A) The.
B) Beautiful.
C) Are.
D) Flowers.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The linking verb in the sentence "The flowers are beautiful." is
are
. Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject, and in this case, "are" links "flowers" to the predicate adjective "beautiful."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The - This is a determiner, not a verb.
Option B:
Beautiful - This is an adjective, not a linking verb.
Option C:
Are - Correct. This verb connects the subject to additional information about it.
Option D:
Flowers - This is a noun, not a verb.
2.
In the sentence 'She seems tired today, ' what role does 'tired' play?
A) Linking verb.
B) Subject complement.
C) Subject.
D) Object.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In the sentence 'She seems tired today,' the word 'tired' functions as a subject complement. A subject complement follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject of the sentence. Here, 'seems' is the linking verb, and 'tired' provides additional information about how the subject ('she') appears.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Linking verb - Incorrect. 'Seems' is the linking verb in this sentence.
Option B:
Subject complement - Correct. 'Tired' describes the subject 'She.'
Option C:
Subject - Incorrect. The subject of the sentence is 'She,' not 'tired.'
Option D:
Object - Incorrect. There is no direct object in this sentence.
3.
Of the following verbs, which one is CAN NOT be an action or linking verb?
A) Could.
B) Becomes.
C) Looks.
D) Turn.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Could is a modal auxiliary verb, not a linking verb. Linking verbs are used to connect the subject of a sentence with a complement (a noun or adjective that renames or describes the subject). Examples include becomes, looks, and turn.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Could is a modal auxiliary verb.
Option B:
Becomes is a linking verb as it connects the subject with an adjective (becoming).
Option C:
Looks is a linking verb as it describes the state of the subject.
Option D:
Turn can be used as a linking verb, such as "The leaf turns green," or as an action verb, like "He turned the page."
4.
Choose the sentence that uses a linking verb correctly.
A) She sings beautifully.
B) The cat chased the mouse.
C) They are running fast.
D) The soup is hot.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D) "The soup is hot" correctly uses a linking verb. The linking verb "is" connects the subject "the soup" with the adjective "hot," providing additional information about the soup's state or condition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Sings beautifully" uses an action verb, not a linking verb.
Option B:
"Chased" is also an action verb and does not function as a linking verb.
Option C:
"Are running fast" contains an action verb "running."
Option D:
Correctly uses the linking verb "is" to connect the subject with additional descriptive information.
5.
The verb is a ..... verb.A garden is a peaceful place.
A) Linking.
B) Action.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "is" in the sentence "A garden is a peaceful place." functions as a linking verb. Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject, typically a noun or an adjective. In this case, "is" links "garden" to "a peaceful place," providing more description.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The verb "is" is a linking verb as it connects the subject "A garden" with additional information about its nature.
Option B:
Incorrect. Action verbs describe an action or state of being that can be physically performed, which does not apply to "is."
Option C:
Incorrect. Only option A is correct; the verb "is" is a linking verb and not both a linking and action verb.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence clearly uses a linking verb, so this option is incorrect.
6.
She likes chocolate.
A) Transitive.
B) Intransitive.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
She likes chocolate is an intransitive sentence because the verb "likes" does not take a direct object. It expresses a state of being without needing to refer to someone or something receiving the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect, as "likes" is not a transitive verb in this context.
Option B:
Correct, as "likes" is an intransitive verb here.
Option C:
Incorrect, as the sentence does not fit both options A and B simultaneously.
Option D:
Incorrect, as there is a correct answer among the given options.
7.
Identify the subject complement and its label:The saleswoman seems very sensitive to the needs of others.
A) Needs, predicate noun.
B) Sensitive, predicate adjective.
C) Others, predicate pronoun.
D) Saleswoman, predicate noun.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject complement in the sentence "The saleswoman seems very sensitive to the needs of others" is "sensitive," which describes the subject "saleswoman." Therefore, "sensitive" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Needs, predicate noun. Incorrect; "needs" is not the subject complement.
Option B:
Sensitive, predicate adjective. Correct; it describes the subject "saleswoman."
Option C:
Others, predicate pronoun. Incorrect; "others" is part of the object phrase and not a subject complement.
Option D:
Saleswoman, predicate noun. Incorrect; "saleswoman" is the subject, not the subject complement.
8.
Which of the following words is a Linking/Helping Verb?
A) Move.
B) Feel.
C) Heel.
D) Groove.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Feel is a linking verb because it connects the subject to additional information about the subject, such as its state of being. Linking verbs describe a condition or quality of the subject without indicating action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Move is an action verb, describing a physical activity.
Option B:
Feel is a linking verb, connecting the subject to its state of being.
Option C:
Heel is not commonly used as a linking verb; it can be a noun or part of speech in other contexts.
Option D:
Groove is typically an action verb meaning to make a groove or to move rhythmically, not a linking verb.
9.
Complete the sentence with the correct linking verb:'The sky ..... clear and blue today.'
A) Looks.
B) Looking.
C) Look.
D) Looked.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The sky looks clear and blue today." uses a linking verb correctly. The subject "sky" is connected to the predicate adjective phrase "clear and blue" through the linking verb "looks."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Looks" is a linking verb that properly connects the subject with the descriptive phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Looking" is a present participle and not a linking verb in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Look" is an imperative form, which does not fit the sentence structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Looked" is a past tense form, which would be used if referring to a previous state of the sky, not the current state as indicated by "today."
10.
The tree grows every day.
A) Action verb.
B) Linking verb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "grows" in the sentence "The tree grows every day." is an action verb, describing a process of change over time. It indicates that the tree undergoes growth as an active process.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Grows" describes an action or process.
Option B:
Incorrect. Linking verbs connect a subject with information about the subject, such as its state or condition (e.g., is, appears). "Grows" does not fit this definition.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence clearly uses an action verb.
11.
Which word is the linking/helping verb in the following sentence:Can I run now?
A) Can.
B) Now.
C) Run.
D) I.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "Can" in the sentence "Can I run now?" is a linking verb, specifically an auxiliary (helping) verb used to form questions and requests. It connects the subject "I" with the main verb "run".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Can" functions as an auxiliary verb in this sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Now" is an adverb indicating time and does not function as a linking verb here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Run" is the main verb, not a linking verb in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "I" is the subject pronoun, not a linking verb.
12.
Identify the linking verb in the sentence.You look exhausted after studying all night.
A) Look.
B) After.
C) Night.
D) Exhausted.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The linking verb in the sentence "You look exhausted after studying all night" is
look
. Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence with a word that describes the subject, often indicating its state or condition. In this case, "look" links the subject "you" to the adjective "exhausted," describing your state.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Look" is the linking verb as it connects the subject with an adjective describing a state.
Option B:
Incorrect. "After" is a preposition, not a verb.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Night" is a noun, not a verb.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Exhausted" is an adjective, not a linking verb.
13.
The used car seems reliable.
A) Used.
B) Seems.
C) Car.
D) Reliable.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Seems" is the linking verb in this sentence, connecting the subject "The used car" with the predicate adjective "reliable." Linking verbs are used to describe a state of being or condition of the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Used - Not a linking verb; it is an adjective describing the car.
Option B:
Seems - Correct, as it connects the subject with its state of reliability.
Option C:
Car - Not a verb; it is part of the subject.
Option D:
Reliable - A predicate adjective, not a linking verb itself but connected by "seems."
14.
Choose the correct pronoun:'The leader of the group is ..... '
A) Them.
B) Their.
C) They.
D) Theirs.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct pronoun to use in the sentence "The leader of the group is....." is
they
. This is because "the leader of the group" refers to a singular noun, but it is used as a plural subject (implying multiple members or characteristics). In English grammar, when a singular noun functions as a plural subject, "they" can be used as a gender-neutral pronoun.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Them - Incorrect. "Them" is an object pronoun and does not fit the sentence structure.
Option B:
Their - Incorrect. "Their" is a possessive adjective or pronoun, which does not function as a subject in this context.
Option C:
They - Correct. As explained above, "they" can be used to refer to a singular noun functioning as a plural subject.
Option D:
Theirs - Incorrect. "Theirs" is a possessive pronoun and does not fit the sentence structure.
15.
Your plans for the wedding sound nice.
A) Nice.
B) Plans.
C) Wedding.
D) Sound.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Your plans for the wedding sound nice." contains a linking verb, which is "sound" in this context. Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject, such as its state or condition. In this case, "sound" links the subject "plans" to the predicate adjective "nice."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Nice - This is an adjective and not a linking verb.
Option B:
Plans - This is the subject of the sentence, not a linking verb.
Option C:
Wedding - This is a noun and not a linking verb.
Option D:
Sound - This is the linking verb in the sentence.
16.
Fill in the blank with the correct pronoun:'The author of the book is ..... '
A) She.
B) Hers.
C) Her.
D) Herself.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The author of the book is ... " requires a pronoun that functions as the subject of the sentence. The correct form for the subject here is "she," making option A the right choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "She" functions as the subject and agrees with the singular noun "author."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Hers" is possessive, not a subject pronoun.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Her" is an object pronoun, not a subject pronoun.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Herself" is reflexive and would be used in a different context, such as "The author of the book is herself."
17.
The dog ..... sleeping soundly.
A) Am.
B) Is.
C) Are.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The dog is sleeping soundly" uses the linking verb "is." Linking verbs are used to connect the subject of a sentence with a word that describes the subject, such as an adjective (sleeping) or a noun (dog). In this case, "is" links "the dog" with "sleeping."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Am" is used for singular subjects that are people, not for animals like "the dog."
Option B:
Correct. "Is" properly links the subject "the dog" with the predicate "sleeping soundly."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Are" is used for plural subjects or for singular subjects that are not people, which does not apply here.
Option D:
Not applicable since option B is correct.
18.
Which sentence does NOT use a Linking Verb?
A) She fell sick.
B) She appears tired.
C) They are tall.
D) I touched the ground.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Linking verbs are used to connect the subject of a sentence with a word that describes the subject, often indicating its state or condition. They do not express an action but rather describe what the subject is like or becomes.
- Option A: "She fell sick." uses the verb "fell," which expresses an action (becoming ill), so it does NOT use a linking verb.
- Option B: "She appears tired." uses "appears" to show how she looks, indicating a state and thus using a linking verb.
- Option C: "They are tall." uses "are" to describe the state of being tall, which is a linking verb.
- Option D: "I touched the ground." uses "touched," an action verb that describes what was done, not a state or condition, so it does NOT use a linking verb.
Option A and D do not use linking verbs. However, since the question asks for one sentence that does not use a linking verb, both A and D are correct but only one is selected as per the claim.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Uses an action verb "fell" to describe an event.
Option B:
Uses a linking verb "appears" to describe a state.
Option C:
Uses a linking verb "are" to describe a state.
Option D:
Uses an action verb "touched" to describe an event.
19.
Which of the following words is a NOT Linking/Helping Verb?
A) Being.
B) The.
C) Been.
D) Be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The claimed correct answer is
B) The.
"The" is a definite article, not a linking verb. Linking verbs such as "being," "been," and "be" are used to connect the subject of a sentence with additional information about the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Being" is a present participle form of the linking verb "to be." It can function as a linking verb in sentences like "He is being difficult."
Option B:
"The" is an article and not a verb, let alone a linking verb. Articles are used to specify or refer to nouns.
Option C:
"Been" is the past participle form of the linking verb "to be." It can function as a linking verb in sentences like "They have been friends for years."
Option D:
"Be" is the base form of the linking verb and can also be used as an auxiliary verb. In its linking verb capacity, it functions similarly to "is," "am," or "are." For example, "You are a good student."
20.
My sister is ten years old.
A) Action verb.
B) Linking verb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In the sentence "My sister is ten years old," the verb "is" functions as a linking verb. Linking verbs connect the subject to additional information about the subject, such as its state of being or description. In this case, "is" links "sister" to the descriptive phrase "ten years old."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Action verbs describe an action performed by the subject and do not apply here.
Option B:
Correct. "Is" is a linking verb as it connects "sister" to additional information about her age.
Option C:
Incorrect, as only option B is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect, as the sentence does contain a linking verb.
21.
Decide whether the bold part in the following sentences is an "action verb" or a "linking verb" My mother appeared exhausted after a hard day working on the paddy field.
A) Linking verb.
B) Action verb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "appeared" in the sentence is a linking verb because it connects the subject "my mother" with additional information about her state, indicating that she seemed or looked exhausted due to her hard day working on the paddy field. Linking verbs describe states of being or conditions and are not used for actions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Appeared" is a linking verb as it connects the subject with descriptive information.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Appeared" does not describe an action but rather a state of being or condition.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one option can be correct in this case.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is provided by Option A.
22.
What type of verb is in the red text?This test seems harder than the others.
A) Action.
B) Helping.
C) Linking.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "seems" in the sentence "This test seems harder than the others" is a linking verb. Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject, such as its state or condition. In this case, "seems" links "this test" to the description "harder."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Action verbs describe physical or mental actions or occurrences.
Option B:
Helping verbs assist main verbs in showing tense, but do not act as linking verbs themselves.
Option C:
Correct. Linking verbs connect the subject to a word that describes its state or condition.
Option D:
Not applicable since "seems" fits the definition of a linking verb.
23.
What is the action verb? Lily jumped on the trampoline.
A) Trampoline.
B) She.
C) Jumped.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The action verb in the sentence "Lily jumped on the trampoline" is
jumped
. This word describes the main action performed by Lily, making it the action verb of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Trampoline - This is a noun and represents the object on which Lily jumped.
Option B:
She - This pronoun refers to Lily but does not describe an action in this context.
Option C:
Jumped - Correct. This verb describes the main action performed by Lily.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, as "jumped" is the correct answer.
24.
Identify if the verb in the sentence is a linking verb or an action verb.She tasted the rich, red tomato soup.
A) Action Verb.
B) Linking Verb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "tasted" in the sentence is an action verb because it describes a physical action performed by the subject, "She." A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject, such as its state or condition. In this case, there is no adjective or noun following "tasted" that would indicate it is connecting the subject to more information.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The verb "tasted" describes an action performed by the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. Linking verbs connect a subject to additional information, which is not present in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one of the options is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The verb "tasted" is clearly an action verb and fits within the given context.
25.
The child ..... going to go swimming.
A) Is.
B) Are.
C) Am.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The child is going to go swimming" uses the linking verb "is." In this context, "is" connects the subject "the child" with the predicate "going to go swimming," indicating a state or action. The other options are incorrect because they do not fit grammatically: "are" and "am" would require different subjects (plural or singular), and "none of the above" is unnecessary since one option fits.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Is" properly links the subject with the predicate.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Are" would require a plural subject, which does not fit here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Am" is used for singular subjects that are performing an action directly, not linking to another verb phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. One of the given options fits correctly in this sentence structure.
26.
The students WERE ready for the test.
A) Linking verb.
B) Action verb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The students WERE ready for the test." uses the verb "WERE," which is a form of the linking verb "BE" to connect the subject with additional information about the subject's state or condition (ready). Linking verbs are used to describe a state of being, appearance, or condition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "WERE" is a linking verb as it connects the subject "The students" with their state of readiness.
Option B:
Incorrect. "WERE" does not describe an action but rather a state or condition.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
27.
Which sentence correctly uses a linking verb?
A) The dog barked loudly.
B) They built a new house.
C) The cake tasted sweet.
D) She quickly ran to the store.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Linking verbs are used to connect the subject of a sentence with a word that describes the subject, often providing more information about it. In option C, "The cake tasted sweet," the linking verb "tasted" connects the subject "cake" with the adjective "sweet," describing its taste.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Barked" is a main verb indicating an action, not a linking verb.
Option B:
"Built" is also a main verb denoting an action, not a linking verb.
Option C:
Correct. "Tasted" links the subject with additional descriptive information.
Option D:
"Ran" describes an action and is not a linking verb.
28.
The girl WAS his sister
A) Action verb.
B) Linking verb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "was" in the sentence "The girl WAS his sister" functions as a linking verb. Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject, such as its state or condition. In this case, "was" links "the girl" to the description "his sister."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Action verbs describe an action performed by the subject and do not apply here.
Option B:
Correct. Linking verbs connect the subject with a complement, which is true for "was" in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect as only one option is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect because "was" fits the definition of a linking verb.
29.
A predicate adjective renames the subject. That means the predicate adjective is always a noun.
A) Yes.
B) No.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The claimed correct answer is B) No, because a predicate adjective does not rename the subject; it describes the subject. Predicate adjectives are typically adjectives that follow linking verbs and provide more information about the subject's state or condition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as predicate adjectives do not rename the subject.
Option B:
Correct, a predicate adjective describes the subject rather than renaming it.
Option C:
Incorrect since all options are false in this context.
Option D:
Not applicable as one of the given options is correct.
30.
What is the subject complement?The weather turned cold last night.
A) Cold.
B) Turned.
C) Night.
D) Last.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject complement in the sentence "The weather turned cold last night" is
Cold.
This is because it follows a linking verb ("turned") and renames or describes the subject ("the weather").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Cold" functions as the subject complement, describing the state of the weather after the action of turning.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Turned" is the linking verb, not the subject complement.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Night" is a time indicator and does not function as a complement in this sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Last" is an adverb indicating when the action occurred, not part of the subject complement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between action verbs and linking verbs?
Action verbs describe an action, state, or occurrence. Linking verbs, on the other hand, connect the subject of a sentence with additional information about the subject, such as its condition or identity.
Can linking verbs be used in both singular and plural subjects?
Yes, linking verbs can function with both singular and plural subjects. They help to describe the state or condition of the subject without indicating any action.
How do linking verbs differ from auxiliary verbs?
Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, assist main verbs in forming tenses or questions. Linking verbs, such as 'is,' 'are,' and 'seems,' connect the subject to a complement without indicating action.
What is the role of a linking verb in a sentence?
Linking verbs serve to link the subject with additional information, such as a noun or adjective (subject complement), providing more detail about the subject's state or condition.
Why are linking verbs important in understanding sentence structure?
Linking verbs are crucial for identifying and understanding the relationship between the subject and additional information in a sentence, helping to clarify the meaning and structure of the statement.